In 2017, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation partnered with researchers at the University of Connecticut to deploy a comprehensive survey capturing the experiences of LGBTQ youth in their family settings, schools, social circles and communities. Over 12,000 youth aged 13-17 participated in the survey, with representation from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. More information about the survey process, materials and respondent profiles can be found in the methodology on page 22.

Transgender and gender nonconforming students have the right to be safe and to be yourself at school. That is why the American Civil Liberties Union and GLSEN have put together this guide to inform you of your rights.

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation helps LGBT people come out and start living openly. As coming out is a life long journey, the HRCF also helps LGBT people, as well as supporters, to live openly and talk about their support for equality at home, at work and in their communities each and every day.

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation improves the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people by working to increase understanding and encourage the adoption of LGBT-inclusive policies and practices.

GLSEN research shows that LGBTQ students who attend schools with curriculum that is inclusive of LGBTQ people, history, and events experience a better school climate and improved academic outcomes.
Curriculum serves as a mirror when it reflects individuals and their experiences back to themselves. At the same time, curriculum serves as a window when it introduces and provides the opportunity to understand the experiences and perspectives of those who possess different identities. An inclusive curriculum should be balanced and include diverse windows and mirrors for every student.
Having LGBTQ-inclusive mirrors and windows in school curriculum can help create a more positive environment and healthy self-awareness for LGBTQ students, while raising the awareness of everyone.
All teachers can use our Inclusive Curriculum Guide to reflect on your existing curriculum and find places to increase your LGBTQ+ representation.
Order a copy of Reading the Rainbow: LGBTQ-Inclusive Literacy in the Elementary Classroom to see how other teachers have successfully implemented LGBTQ+ issues into their curriculum.

The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.
 
I. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
II. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
III. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
IV. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.
V. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
VI. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.
VII. All people, regardless of origin, age, background, or views, possess a right to privacy and confidentiality in their library use. Libraries should advocate for, educate about, and protect people’s privacy, safeguarding all library use data, including personally identifiable information.

An information guide created for LGBTQ youth who are looking for answers.

This brochure sets to answer your most basic questions about being a b(ee)!

The "Coming Out As A Supporter" booklet developed by PFLAG and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation is a 24 page pamphlet and guide to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans.

HRC Foundation’s Welcoming Schools is the most comprehensive bias-based bullying prevention program in the nation to provide LGBTQ+ and gender inclusive professional development training, lesson plans, booklists and resources specifically designed for educators and youth-serving professionals. Our program uses an intersectional, anti-racist lens dedicated to actionable policies and practices. We uplift school communities with critical tools to embrace family diversity, create LGBTQ+ and gender inclusive schools, prevent bias-based bullying, and support transgender and non-binary students.

"The Cycle of Violence" visual shows the order of the three main components of violence and gives a brief description of each: "Tension Building", "Explosion", and "Honeymoon".

In May 2016, the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Education issued guidance to schools intended to provide transgender students with safe and inclusive learning environments. On the heels of this guidance, Ellen Kahn, the Human Rights Campaign's director of Children, Youth, and Families Program, offers advice for educators seeking to provide transgender students with a welcoming school culture. She describes key terms to be familiar with, urges educators to challenge their assumptions about gender, addresses ways to create a safe space, and suggests that educators take a collective approach to changing a school's climate for transgender students.

As a traditionally underserved population that faces numerous health disparities, youth who identify as transgender and gender diverse (TGD) and their families are increasingly presenting to pediatric providers for education, care, and referrals. The need for more formal training, standardized treatment, and research on safety and medical outcomes often leaves providers feeling ill equipped to support and care for patients that identify as TGD and families. In this policy statement, we review relevant concepts and challenges and provide suggestions for pediatric providers that are focused on promoting the health and positive development of youth that identify as TGD while eliminating discrimination and stigma.

Parents, families and friends discuss religion and sexual orientation or gender identity and tips on how to approach and re-evaluate their spiritual beliefs.

The GLSEN National School Climate Survey* is our flagship report on the school experiences of LGBTQ youth in schools, including the extent of the challenges that they face at school and the school-based resources that support LGBTQ students’ well-being. The survey has consistently indicated that specific school-based supports are related to a safer and more inclusive school climate, including: supportive educators, LGBTQ-inclusive curriculum, inclusive and supportive policies, and supportive student clubs, such as Gay-Straight Alliances or Gender and Sexuality Alliances (GSAs).

Purpose of this Guide
This guide is created to help anyone learn how to use people’s correct pronouns. Everyone in your school community should engage in learning, educating, and advocating for the inclusive use of pronouns for all. 
What Are Pronouns?
Pronouns are the words you may like others to use for you in place of your proper name. Some examples include “she/her” or “he/him” or gender-neutral pronouns, such as “ze/hir,” [pronounced: zee/heer] or “they/them”. Some people use specific pronouns, any pronouns, or none at all. Here is an example of using “they/them” in a sentence: John is substituting for me today and they are an incredible mathematician. 
Using singular “they” pronouns have been used in the English language for centuries. If you are still struggling with using this, remember, it takes practice! 
Why Focus on Pronouns?
You may have noticed that people are sharing their pronouns in introductions, on name tags, and at the beginning of meetings. This gives everyone in the room the opportunity to self identify instead of assuming someone’s identity or which pronouns they use. Including pronouns is a first step toward respecting people’s identity and creating a more welcoming space for people of all genders.
How Is This More Inclusive?
Pronouns can sometimes be a signifier for someone’s gender identity but not always. We do not want to assume people’s gender identity based on expression (typically shown through clothing, hairstyle, mannerisms etc.) By providing an opportunity for people to share their pronouns, you’re showing that you’re not assuming that their gender identity is based on their appearance.
What If I Don’t Want to Share My Pronouns?
That’s ok! Providing space and opportunity for people to share their pronouns does not mean that everyone feels comfortable or needs to share their pronouns. Some people may choose not to share their pronouns for a variety of reasons, e.g. they are questioning or using different pronouns, they don’t use any pronouns, they don’t feel comfortable sharing them at that moment or in that space, or they fear bullying or harassment after sharing. *In the case that someone has left pronouns off the nametag or chosen not to share their pronouns, please refrain from using pronouns for that person and refer to the person by what is on the nametag. 
Mistakes and Misgendering
Misgendering refers to the experience of being labeled by others as a gender other than one that a person identifies with. Because many (not all) associate their pronouns with their gender identity, using the wrong pronouns intentionally or unintentionally is a form of misgendering. If you accidentally use the wrong pronoun when identifying someone, please apologize or say “thank you”, and immediately use the right pronoun.
i.e. This is Alex, she is one of my science students. (you are corrected because Alex uses they/them/theirs pronouns). Sorry, they are one of my science students. Or Thank you, they are one of my science students.
Everyone makes mistakes, please take accountability for your mistake and continue using the correct pronoun. The important thing to be mindful of, is to not unload your guilty feelings on transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming people or expect forgiveness. They might have a strong reaction to the misuse of their pronouns and need space to recenter themselves.  
What About PGP?
There has been a shift away from the term “preferred gender pronoun” or “PGP” to just using “pronoun.” This change was made because a person’s pronouns are not just preferred; they’re the pronouns that must be used. In the same sense as mentioned earlier, gender was removed because pronouns do not always reflect or indicate someone’s gender. 
Make Your Support Visible! 
Include “pronoun:” under “name:” in name tags and introductions in groups as an opportunity for participants to make their pronouns visible. At the beginning of the semester, educators can call out students by their last name instead of their first name in case a student has not been able to change their name in the Student Information System or legally. Let students know that after class they can let you know what name they use if it is different than what is on the roster. 
At the beginning of the semester, educators can pass out 3x5 notecards to students and ask them to add their name, pronouns, and whatever information you feel is necessary to know about the student that they might not want to share out loud.
Have pronouns be added to all email signatures, and link the word “pronouns” to this guide or another reference for people who are new to this practice: 
Sincerely,
Mx. Marvel
Pronouns: They, Them, Theirs

School and district leaders, educators, and school staff have a significant opportunity—and responsibility—to create learning environments in which all students can thrive and achieve their full educational potential.
Fostering a sense of belonging and connectedness in school are crucial for putting all students on a path to success.1 However, many LGBTQ students are left feeling unsupported in their schools. In order to ensure that school learning environments are supportive of all students, it is critical to implement specific policies and procedures that support LGBTQ youth, affirm their identities, promote safe and healthy learning environments, and advance equity and respect for all in our schools.2
This resource provides education policymakers and practitioners, particularly at the district and school levels, with concrete recommendations related to creating safe and affirming learning environments that uphold the dignity of all students. 

There are many ways parents can promote healthy gender development in children. It helps to understand gender identity and how it forms.

Give this brochure to friends, family, coworkers, and teachers to help them understand how to be the best ally.

Intersex is an umbrella term for differences in sex traits or reproductive anatomy. People are born with these differences or develop them at a young age. Genitalia, hormones, internal anatomy, or chromosomes can develop in many ways.
The problem is, children’s bodies are often changed for them because of shame and stigma. This includes surgeries to create a vagina, reduce a clitoris, move a urethra, or remove testes. Most surgeries happen before the age of two. We’ve worked with many of the world’s top human rights organizations. All agree: surgeries to change sex traits must be the individual’s choice.
That’s why interACT uses innovative legal and other strategies to advocate for the human rights of children born with differences in their genitals, chromosomes, hormones, and reproductive anatomy.
» Frequently asked questions
» Learn how allies can get more involved
» Medical worker? See our affirming hospital policy guide

How It Works
LGBT History Month celebrates the achievements of 31 lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender Icons. Each day in October, a new LGBT Icon is featured with a video, bio, bibliography, downloadable images and other resources.
LGBT History Is American History
“LGBT History Month sends an important message to our nation’s teachers, school boards, community leaders, and youth about the vital importance of recognizing and exploring the role of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people in American history."
George Chauncey
Samuel Knight Professor of American History and Chair of the History Department, Yale University
Background
In 1994, Rodney Wilson, a Missouri high school teacher, believed a month should be dedicated to the celebration and teaching of gay and lesbian history, and gathered other teachers and community leaders. They selected October because public schools are in session and existing traditions, such as Coming Out Day (October 11), occur that month.
Gay and Lesbian History Month was endorsed by GLAAD, the Human Rights Campaign, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the National Education Association and other national organizations. In 2006 Equality Forum assumed responsibility for providing content, promotion and resources for LGBT History Month.
Celebrate Our Heritage
The LGBT community is the only community worldwide that is not taught its history at home, in public schools or in religious institutions. LGBT History Month provides role models, builds community and makes the civil rights statement about our extraordinary national and international contributions.
About Equality Forum
Equality Forum is a national and international LGBT civil rights organization with an educational focus. Equality Forum coordinates LGBT History Month, produces documentary films, undertakes high-impact initiatives and presents the largest annual national and international LGBT civil rights summit. For more information, visit www.equalityforum.com.

For all of us, learning an LGBTQ-inclusive curriculum can help us better understand our world and our differences. For LGBTQ students in particular, it can mean feeling safer at school and hearing homophobic and transphobic remarks less frequently, according to GLSEN research. That's why we're sharing the resources below, from an interactive timeline and coloring book to many other classroom resources. 
Recognizing these benefits, former GLSEN Chapter leader Rodney Wilson, with the support of GLSEN's founder Kevin Jennings and many others, founded LGBTQ History Month in October 1994. While you can use these resources every October, they're perfect for use all year, so that students see the benefits year round.

A great resource you can use to learn and teach about LGBTQ history is Making Gay History, the critically acclaimed and award-winning podcast that brings LGBTQ history to life through the voices of the people who lived it. Listen to the podcasts below to hear about the lives and legacies of Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, who were participants in the New York Stonewall riots in 1969.

Transgender and nonbinary students have been a part of our schools and education system for decades. However, for many educators and administrators, awareness of the unique needs of these students represents new and sometimes confusing issues to consider. Together through this document, GLSEN and NCTE, are here to assist, to ensure that all students have a safe and welcoming educational environment.
This model local education agency (LEA), often named school districts, policy is intended to serve as a resource to LEAs on how best to meet the needs of transgender and nonbinary students. This set of recommendations was developed by examining LEA policies from around the country. These recommendations were also informed by examining federal and state policy frameworks.
While this document provides a starting place to create policies on the treatment of transgender and nonbinary students, the strongest policies are developed in consultation with communities that can best inform local needs and priorities. Convening a task force of internal and external stakeholders is one strategy that can yield this type of important information that will ultimately make schools safer, affirming, and more inclusive for transgender and nonbinary students, particularly those who are also Black, brown, Latinx, Indigenous, and/or people with disabilities, who should have the same access to a quality education as their peers.
GLSEN is a national education non-profit organization, leading the movement to create safe and inclusive K-12schools for all since 1990. We work tirelessly to ensure that all children can have a high quality education where they feel safe and affirmed. We envision a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or gender expression, and in turn is respected and accepted themselves.
The National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) is a national social justice organization devoted to ending discrimination and violence against transgender people through education and advocacy on national issues of importance to transgender people. By empowering transgender people and our allies to educate and influence policymakers and others, NCTE facilitates a strong and clear voice for transgender equality in our nation’s capital and around the country.

MAP's mission is to provide independent and rigorous research, insight, and communications that help speed equality and opportunity for all. MAP works to ensure that all people have a fair chance to pursue health and happiness, earn a living, take care of the ones they love, be safe in their communities, and participate in civic life.

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This open letter to principals and superintendents explains why it's illegal under federal law for public schools to ignore anti-LGBT harassment of students.

A letter to principals and educators explaining the legal requirement that public schools allow students to wear clothing or accessories with slogans or symbols that express support for LGBT people and issues.

This helps to answer one of the most frequent questions we get asked: “What’s the difference?”

One front and back handout addressing the many different types of pronouns people use to identify themselves, as well information regarding the proper use of pronouns and pronoun etiquette.

What is a pronoun?
A pronoun is a word used to refer to either the people who are talking (like “I” or “you”) or a person being talked about in the third person (like “she/her,” “he/him,” and “they/them”). Since some pronouns are gendered (“she/her” and “he/him”), it is important to be intentional about the way we use pronouns as we all work to create as inclusive an environment as possible.
Why do pronouns matter?
Ask yourself how many times someone has used your name or a pronoun to refer to you today. Chances are this has happened countless times. Now, imagine that your coworker, or a family member, or your doctor or a friend routinely calls you by the wrong pronoun. That would be hard. This is why using a person’s chosen name and pronouns is essential to affirming their identity and showing basic respect. The experience of being misgendered – having someone use the incorrect pronouns to refer to you – can be uncomfortable and hurtful. The experience of accidentally misgendering someone can be difficult for both parties. Routinely asking and providing pronouns helps everyone avoid assumptions and feel comfortable interacting.
Pronoun Etiquette Tips
- Create opportunities for people to share their pronouns with you rather than assuming you know their pronouns based on their appearance. For example, when introducing yourself share your pronouns like this:
- In one-on-one conversation: “Hi, I’m John and I go by he/him. Nice to meet you.”
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- In a meeting: “Hi everyone. I’m Mollie. I’m the senior program manager and I go by she/her.”
- In your e-mail signature next to your name: E. Wilson (pronouns: they/them/theirs)
- If you don’t know someone’s pronouns, it’s okay to ask. You can say, “What pronouns do you use?” or “What pronouns do you go by?” or “What pronouns would you like me to use when I refer to you?”
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- Always use someone’s chosen (preferred) pronouns unless you’ve been asked not to do so for a specific reason (e.g., safety or privacy concerns).
- Practice! Practice! Practice! It takes intention to consistently use someone’s correct pronouns if you previously used different pronouns for that person or if you’re using pronouns that are new to you. Take the time to practice referring to the person with the correct pronouns in conversation and in written communication. (Tip: Worried about misgendering someone in an email? Do a quick “CTRL+F” and search for any use of an incorrect pronoun before hitting send.)
- If you make a mistake, apologize and move on. Help others by gently correcting them if they misgender someone.

A list of 28 signs and/or characteristics of an abusive individual.

10 Things You Can Do to Be a Straight Ally. Visit their website at www.straightforequality.org to read the guide on being a straight ally.

A printable pledge that includes four promises one agrees to when pledging to be an Ally/Straight for Equality Ally.

MAP works to ensure that all people have a fair chance to pursue health and happiness, earn a living, take care of the ones they love, be safe in their communities, and participate in civic life. MAP is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and donations to MAP are 100% tax-deductible. You can read more about MAP and the work we do on our About page.

We’re dedicated to protecting and advancing the rights, dignity and freedom of the LGBTQ community in the Deep South and to removing barriers to equality.

Thirty terms related to LGBTQIA and their definitions listed in alphabetical order.

A teaching tool for breaking the big concept of gender down into bite-sized, digestible pieces.

8 important "basic points of etiquette that you can keep in mind to help you interact respectfully with a transgender person."

The definition for gender, gender identity, and gender expression, along with information regarding the terms gender spectrum, gender expansive, and gender privilege. Language used when referring to gender, plus definitions of more gender terminology such as gender dysphoria, transsexual, and transphobia.

"We Choose All of Us" empowerment poem